Vibrator Control for Nerve Sensitivity via Stochastic Resonance
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Solution Overview
Problem
As people age, the sensitivity of their nerves decreases, making it difficult to sense stimuli below a certain threshold, which can lead to undetected risks such as falls, especially when sole pressure is not properly sensed.
Innovation Solution
A vibrator controlling method that determines a vibration amplitude and direction based on user input, generates an initial vibration signal, and applies a low-pass filter to create a final vibration signal within a set frequency, enhancing nerve sensitivity through stochastic resonance by resonating with external stimuli.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the vibration amplitude is increased to enhance nerve sensitivity, then the ability to detect external stimuli improves, but the comfort of the user deteriorates due to excessive vibration sensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibrator to stimulate nerves and enhance sensitivity. The system generates controlled vibrations at specific frequencies and amplitudes to resonate with external stimuli, helping users detect subtle changes in their environment that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts vibration parameters including amplitude, frequency, and duration based on detected conditions. The controller modifies these parameters in real-time to optimize nerve stimulation while maintaining user comfort, allowing the vibration intensity to adapt to different situations and user needs.
2Speed
If the vibration frequency is increased to improve stimulus detection, then the responsiveness of the system improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic vibration patterns rather than continuous high-frequency vibrations. By using intermittent stimulation cycles with appropriate duty cycles, the system maintains effective nerve activation and rapid response capability while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to sustained high-frequency operation.
3Ease of operation
If the vibration amplitude is set to be imperceptible to the user, then user comfort is maintained, but the ability to provide effective nerve stimulation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses mechanical vibration at frequencies and amplitudes that can effectively stimulate nerve endings without being consciously perceived as uncomfortable by the user. By targeting specific frequency ranges that resonate with nerve response, the system achieves reliable stimulation while maintaining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller adjusts vibration parameters dynamically based on user feedback and detected conditions, modifying amplitude and frequency to achieve effective stimulation at the threshold of perception. This allows the system to provide reliable nerve activation while keeping vibrations imperceptible or minimally noticeable to the user.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method increases nerve sensitivity by generating stochastic resonance stimuli that can be sensed even when the external stimulus alone is not, thereby reducing the risk of accidents like falls.
Implementation Method 1
generating a final vibration signal by filtering out a component of the initial vibration signal exceeding a set frequency
Implementation Method 2
a vibrator configured to output a vibration using a motor
Implementation Method 3
enhancing nerve sensitivity through stochastic resonance by resonating with external stimuli
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a vibrator controlling method and apparatus. The vibrator controlling apparatus may control a vibrator to generate a vibration of a magnitude not to be sensed by a user. A stimulus of at least a threshold of nerves may be generated when a vibration of the vibrator resonates with a vibration resulting from another stimulus. The nerves may sense the generated stimulus so that the user senses a presence of the other stimulus.